Kekova Island

In old Lycia, a region in southern Turkey that reposes along the Mediterranean, there are no shortage of ancient ruins. The often disappointing truth of these ruins is that, unlike the preserved landmarks of a city like Rome, the years of exposure to the elements and lack of preservation have left mere ghostly impressions of this once thriving trade route. Still, localities like Demre and Üçağız continue to attract tourists for the remnants of their Byzantine pasts and their claims to the real-life St. Nick, and are worth a departure from the Lycian Way or as destinations in themselves.

Perhaps the most intriguing of the ruins in the area are those around Kekova Island known as Simena. Most travelers will catch boats from Üçağiz to view the city submerged in the sea by seismic repercussions, seeking glimpses of ancient foundations and the unlikely fins of sarcophagi protruding from the water. You may choose to jostle for room at the algae-covered portholes of a boat or you can go one better and sea kayak among the ruins. This gives you a bit more autonomy and brings you as close to the remains of this underwater village as you're going to get (swimming and diving aren't allowed). This option also allows you a chance to explore more than a historical site that can be underwhelming in itself, as you can more freely visit the off-shore village of Kaleköy, whose Byzantine hill-top castle and eroded tombs on the harbor are a great continuation of the adventure. Browse the included links for further information.

Location:Kekova

Note:The area of Kekova can be reached by a two hour drive from the airport in Dalaman, which is northwest along the coast.